Lawrence, Otago

The town of Lawrence was once the centre of one of The World’s largest gold rushes, being the first gold rush town in Otago.

You can soak up the heritage at the historic Chinese Gold Camp which is one of the most important sites of its kind in New Zealand. Out of town you will find Gabriel’s Gully, named after the first man to discover gold in the Otago region in 1861.

The Clutha Gold Cycle & Walking Trail starts/finishes in Lawrence, Otago. It is one of The Great Rides of New Zealand covering 73 kms, it is an easy grade trail and takes around 2-4 days to ride.

Boutique shops, quirky cafes and a wonderfully old fashioned museum line the town’s main street while the beautiful Bellview Wetlands are only a stone’s throw away, the perfect place to daydream.

The Weatherstons Brewery may have long since closed but comes alive quite literally each spring with a delightful daffodil display across 25 acres. Thanks to the hard work of the local community it opens again for a Spring spectacular.

Lawrence is also where a local school teacher composed the music for New Zealand’s national anthem in 1876. He is buried in the town’s hilltop cemetery which is noted for its elaborate Victorian ironwork, Celtic crosses and Chinese section.